Today's horoscope

JOYCE JILLSON, Creators Syndicate

Published
5:30 am CDT, Wednesday, August 11, 2004

By now, you're starting to notice a change in the atmosphere. All events seem to be converging to give you one message -- pay attention! With Virgo's precision affecting so many areas of life, one detail that's askew could produce a drastically different result. Counteract Mercury's retrograde by double-checking to be sure your bases are covered.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You're not usually one to care about the approval of others, but today is an exception. You are much better off admitting that it matters. Authority figures will give you the respect you crave.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Temptation is all around, and you're especially vulnerable to it. You are not what you wear, drive or own, regardless of what impresses your friends. Financial independence is more important than showing social status.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Nothing is out of your league -- go for it! Others may resent it when you receive preferential treatment this afternoon, but what can you do? Re-evaluate old relationships. You'll find you can be more accepting and forgiving.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Look at the practical aspects of your budget, and see what you can barter for and what you'll have to borrow to get. Your inventive mind comes up with a real doozy of a solution. Loved ones make your night special.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Though you zip through the morning, you may feel increasingly out of balance as the day passes. Make an effort to do one physical activity (this you should do every day), and also set aside an hour for quiet thoughts.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (August 11). You are in touch with your deeper motivations this year and therefore are better able to create a world that truly satisfies your needs. People who are attracted to you this fall (and there are more than you know what to do with) are fantastic additions to your life. You may be swept into romance in November. Love signs are Gemini and Cancer. Your lucky numbers are: 52, 12, 49, 38 and 21.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The details get in the way of your overall satisfaction with a project. Time away from the action helps. One way to ensure your happiness is to put your focus on spiritual values and daily service to others.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). An idea is ripe and ready to present, but cover yourself by applying for copyrights or patents if necessary. When goodwill comes full circle, accept your due. Leisure is good for your heart and your productivity.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Plans are helped along by creative innovation. What sou`o 7/8?ith them, which would be annoying if you weren't so flattered.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Add new goals to your list, and begin practical planning, but don't jump in all at once. The research stage is the most important and will take almost as long as the application of what you learned.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Remaining flexible will be key now when so much is changing around you. Your emotional attachment to material possessions makes a transition difficult; get better perspective about what is truly important.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). There is much that you need from your support group now, but try not to expect the superhuman from partners and friends. Instead, concentrate on the factors you have complete control over. Tests go exceedingly well.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Romance could be with someone who seems like your opposite. Turn down invitations that have nothing to do with your immediate goals. Temptations are plentiful, but your willpower is turned up.

You are a Leo, and an Aries/Leo combination starts off on the right foot. Notice I said, "Starts off." Both fire signs, you can keep up with each other's fast pace and need to be the catalyst that makes things happen. Unfortunately, Aries men have a tendency to mistrust their own judgment. Your man is harboring some fears about marriage because of a past lover who is still in the picture. She is not a rival for his love, but since she is always available, it gives him an escape hatch. You and many Leo women will be sought after by marriage-minded men in January. However, if you want this Aries man, in January, you must seek the refuge of your family and friends. Spend more time with them. Aries men respond to spectacle: They want to have their drama (your relationship) played out on a large stage (in front of and involving friends and family). Caution: When he does make the suggestion of marriage, don't start planning a lavish wedding, which will put make him doubt again!

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Dazzling Dominique Swain first caught audiences' attention as Lolita in the 1997 film of the same name. She next appears in "Out of Season" with Dennis Hopper. This year, character ideas for Swain could come out of internal exploration and meditation. Because Leo energy tends to push people of this sign upward and onward, it's important for them to consciously make time to reflect.